New Gear – November 2006

Sail Staff
|
May 16, 2007

Edited by David Schmidt

Hurricane Insurance
Few experiences are as surreal as prepping your boat for a hurricane. Will it be safe? Colligo Nautique has created this super-strong bridle-plate system that connects up to three anchors to help you ride out a blow. Made from zinc-plated, hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) steel, the system features a 3/4-inch HDG swivel that gives a boat a wide range of movement without chafing rodes or tangling anchor chains. Colligo Nautique makes monohull- and multihull-specific versions for both mooring and anchoring. From $99.99. Colligo Nautique, 480-703-3675, www.colligonautique.com

Shakespeare ART-3
That in-the-red VSWR, reading on the ART-3 tester confirmed my suspicion that while the old VHF antenna attached looks okay, it must be fried internally. VSWR stands for “voltage standing wave ratio,” but Shakespeare reasonably calls it “antenna efficiency.” The ART-3 can also test transmission wattage (only 17 with this particular antenna, but a full 25 with a decent one) and can generate a tone on channel 72 for a simple reception check. It can be used portably with an internal battery or rigged permanently with a wired 12-volt power source, but you do need to provide your own short patch cable. $90. Shakespeare; 803-227-1590, www.shakespeare-marine.com — Ben Ellison

Cockpit Comfort
It can take hours to adjust a cockpit cushion just so, and, inevitably, perfection is attained just before tacking. SeaBound’s new line of Flaties self-inflating cushions is designed to enhance onboard comfort. One is a V-shaped bow cushion; other models can be clipped to lifelines. The cushions come in a variety of sizes to fit different cockpit benches, fold down small, and are easily carried ashore for picnic seating. From $26.50. Bainbridge International, 781-821-2600, www.bainbridgeint.com

Hurricane Insurance
Few experiences are as surreal as prepping your boat for a hurricane. Will it be safe? Colligo Nautique has created this super-strong bridle-plate system that connects up to three anchors to help you ride out a blow. Made from zinc-plated, hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) steel, the system features a 3/4-inch HDG swivel that gives a boat a wide range of movement without chafing rodes or tangling anchor chains. Colligo Nautique makes monohull- and multihull-specific versions for both mooring and anchoring. From $99.99. Colligo Nautique, 480-703-3675, www.colligonautique.com